walking next to you...

today was a so lovely. i just can't be grateful enough. my heart is in tangles to be honest but God seems to be so faithful especially in those times. when i woke up this morning, i turned over and saw my little brown bible sitting there. i read some really sweet passages and got up to get ready for the day. i was driving to my wednesday morning study when i noticed a very familiar black vehicle in front of my little mouse. it was linda amento and i wasn't sure if she too was going to the study but one way or another, i was going to say hi:) she pulled into augie's and i followed to get my hug and hello and it was totally worth it. she is such a delight.

the study was AMAZING. the book of daniel is just madness for my heart right now. the first few studies were good but i was having a hard time settling in. today i finally settled in:) today's session covered exactly something that was mentioned by last night's speaker at restoration and it just blew my mind. when those three guys were waiting to be tossed into the furnace they were just concerned with one thing and that was their Abba. they were not exactly sure if they were coming out of there but it didn't really matter. they were so willing to just suck it up and risk it because some things are just worth the risk and they knew it. how awesome is that?! i need to work on my risky...

the fires of the furnace....sometimes we are sent into the fire. refining is such a crazy process but so necessary. and He is with us in the process. He is actively pursuing us. so good. i just need to work on remembering this.

dan 2:20-23

blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; He reveals deep and hidden things He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. to you, o God of my fathers, i give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might...

after the study, claudia and i went to lunch, indian(LINDSEY, i really hope we can go soon please:) it was and yummy indeed:) we had such a wonderful time. she is so smart, that claudia:) we talked about the study and that was so good. she shared about her life a bit and it was so encouraging.

we had cupcakes too:

i felt a bit sick afterwards honestly but it settled and i got to have a little cc time tonight at our old high school. she called me when i was on my way. i said see you in 15 minutes. she snarckled. i said time me. i won:) yucaipa to san b in 15...totally doable...don't judge:) a little weird going to the ol' alma matter because everyone there looked older and we were the old ones...not really old, cc:) ryan is heading up the band camp so i got to keep cc company for a bit and it was really nice. she kept me more company. i had bakers and she watched since she had dinner earlier. we talked and laughed and she made my heart smile. the last thing she said to me was put a smile on and keep it there:)

tonight was brilliant. the drive home was a sky filled with color and a breeze and the smells, even the smells were so lovely. i can't say the events of today were huge, they weren't but how i want to love the little things in life. because if i notice the little things and love them, i know that i will REALLY love and appreciate when the big things come.

ps...the little package from urban was the cherry on top:)